Residents of fire-hit Edinburgh block claim 18-month repairs were not disclosed

Residents of a fire-hit flat complex in Edinburgh face more than 18 months of cladding replacement works, amid claims that new tenants are being signed up without being warned of the project.

The extensive renovations at the Breadalbane Street development in Bonnington follows a major blaze in 2024 which left two firefighters injured and forced the evacuation of 100 people.

Angry residents say they were not informed of the scale of the works before taking up leases.

One resident, who wished to remain nameless, said they are now in the process of moving out of the building, but were stunned to see that properties are still being advertised without the works being mentioned.

They told the Evening News: “We saw that other people are advertising similar places in the same building. It doesn't seem right that if someone's going to be viewing the property, they'll probably be moving soon, and suddenly there's going to be 80 weeks of renovation work.”

“We looked at the adverts, and they had absolutely no mention of the potential building works happening. It just doesn't seem right. Someone comes and upheaves their life, moves in and then there is building work for 80 weeks.”

Properties in the building listed for more than £1,000 per calendar month are still listed for rent online, with no mention of potential works taking place.

Remedial work on cladding has been undertaken since the devastating Grenfell fire in 2017. | Local Library

The works were deemed necessary following a fire in 2024. Two firefighters were hurt in the incident. The incident saw around 70 firefighters, 12 fire appliances and additional specialist resources attend the blaze. Around 100 people were evacuated from the building.

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The resident, who rented the property via letting agent OpenRent, said that they were made aware of the 2024 fire by the landlord but were not made aware that work was being undertaken to replace the cladding.

They said: “If we knew that information beforehand, we could have made a different decision.”

They stressed that they understood the work had to be carried out, but believes that information should be clearer.

They said: “Once it's improved they can sell the house, which is absolutely fine. I understand that, but I just feel it's a bit wrong if they're going to try and rent that out to an unknowing tenant.”

Property firm DJ Alexander, which lists flats in the building on behalf of landlords, and OpenRent have both been approached for comment but have not yet responded.